Tag: Forgiveness

Choosing Grace Over Payback

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NELSON NOLAND

The twelfth chapter of Romans ends with a call to live differently from the world around us. Modern culture celebrates revenge. From movies to online conflicts, payback is often seen as justice. But the gospel offers another path. We should follow a way that turns away from hate and chooses love, even toward those who have wronged us.

The teaching of Romans 12 is not easy. It asks us to love people who mistreat us and to answer harm with kindness. This is hard work, like putting on heavy gloves to do a tough job. Yet this is the kind of life Jesus calls His followers to live. It is not natural to forgive. I’ve come to believe it is something that grows from knowing that God first forgave us. The Bible says that while we were still His enemies, Christ died for us. When we understand that, we begin to see how to love others the same way.

To love enemies means to act with grace where the world expects revenge. It means refusing to return evil for evil. Across the world, there are real examples of people who have lived out this truth. A widow in Arizona forgave the man who killed her husband. Amish parents in Pennsylvania prayed for the driver who caused the death of their children. A retired judge in Michigan forgave the teenager who crashed into his car and even paid for the boy’s education. These moments show the kind of love that can only come from God. It is a love that brings healing instead of hate.

Such forgiveness is not weakness. It is strength that comes from faith. It does not excuse evil but hands justice over to God. The Bible says, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” Trusting that truth frees us from bitterness. Holding on to anger only poisons the heart. Letting go allows peace to enter.

Jesus also taught that we should love our enemies, pray for those who hurt us, and greet those who dislike us. These are not feelings but actions. Love is shown in what we do, choosing to bless instead of curse, to speak well instead of gossiping, to do good instead of seeking harm. Even small acts of kindness, like a word of peace or a shared meal, can change hearts. When we do this, we not only reflect God’s character but also find freedom for ourselves.

There is beauty in mercy. When we show grace, we rise above anger and become living examples of Christ’s love. In a world where outrage and division are common, forgiveness is a quiet revolution. It points people to a kingdom not built on pride or payback but on compassion and peace.

We live out our faith when we choose mercy over revenge.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Colossians 3:13

Jesus Shows His Power to Forgive and Heal

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AMY TURNER

In Matthew 9:6, Jesus told the paralyzed man, “Get up, take your mat, and go home.” Before this, the man had been lowered through the roof by others who wanted him to meet Jesus. When the man arrived, Jesus first forgave his sins. This raised an important question: how could anyone know if forgiveness had truly happened? There was no visible sign.

Healing the man’s body gave the answer. While words of forgiveness are unseen, telling a paralyzed man to walk required real action. Jesus spoke, and the man stood up.

I want to be clear here: I am not saying all who are forgiven of their sins will be healed. I am saying Jesus’s authority to forgive sins is evidenced by his authority to make the lame man walk. He has mercy and power for the body and for the soul.

For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him.

John 3:17

The Power of Forgiveness: Healing Your Heart

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FLOYD ROGERS

When someone harms you, it causes deep pain. But holding onto anger or refusing to forgive causes even more harm to yourself. Forgiveness is not about how you feel in the moment. It is a choice you make, no matter how hurt you are.

You might think, “But I’m still in pain. How can I forgive?” The truth is, forgiving does not mean you will suddenly feel love or joy toward the person who hurt you. It also does not mean you will forget what happened. The key is deciding not to hold their actions against them any longer.

Even if your heart aches and the memories remain, you can still say, “I forgive them. I won’t carry this anger anymore.” This choice brings peace to your spirit and prevents further damage to your own heart. It frees you from the heavy burden of bitterness.

For if you forgive other people for their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

Matthew 6:14